To ‘save reputation’, Maharashtra school expels girl allegedly raped by army jawan

The girl’s family has alleged harassment from the police as well.

Activists holds placards as they protest against violence and crimes against women in Siliguri on July 26, 2013. (AFP File Photo)

A 15-year-old girl from Latur, who had alleged that an army jawan raped her under the pretext of marriage, claimed she was expelled from school after filing a complaint. The teenager said she initially fought to get the FIR registered at the local police station in April this year.

The girl alleged the jawan raped her during a visit to her village. “He kept physical relations with me under the pretext of marriage,” she told news agency ANI. According to the teenager, the school expelled her after the police went to them to enquire about the complaint.

The school then allegedly called her brother and told him about their decision. “I want to study further and I have not been going to school since it resumed in June,” she said.

District collector of Latur G Shreekanth ordered a probe to verify the allegations levelled. “A school-leaving certificate (SLC ) was given on the basis of a request made by her brother, who studies in Class 12. I have called the principal and family members for a meeting on Tuesday. If the SLC was issued without application of mind, action will be taken,” Shreekanth said.

The girl’s family also alleged harassment from the police. “A police officer demanded Rs50,000 from us to get the FIR registered. The girl told him her family earns a living by cutting sugarcane and is not in a position to pay the amount,” her uncle said.

The family approached the police superintendent, after which a medical examination was conducted and a case against the jawan registered. The family alleged the police undertook a spot panchnama only once and there has been no progress in the case ever since.

Latur SP Dr Shivaji Rathod was unavailable for a comment.

NM Shaikh, education officer from Latur, said no complaint had been registered with him yet regarding the expulsion.